Here are snippets of some of the early reviews of The Meeting Point! So excited readers are loving Maya’s journey ❤️📚🚙📱☀️

“LOVED this book - it had major You’ve Got Mail vibes which is one of my favorite movies of all time. 

The Meeting Point was a sweet and charming romance that I couldn’t put down! This will for sure be one of my favorite books of the year.”

“Absolutely, insanely sweet. This was such a unique story, and I couldn't put it down!”

 “This book is about a chance encounter, a once in a lifetime kind of love, falling in love at first sight-ish, happy endings. But it's also much more than that. It's about a woman finding herself, realizing her worth, making things happen, and doing stuff for herself. It’s about picking yourself up in the weakest of the moments and building yourself back up. It showcases how life is made up of weak moments and strong one's, the ups and the downs, the laughs and the cries. It was just beautifully composed.

The love story was definitely the cutest thing about this. Ugh, it was just beautiful. The romance was so sweet, and the chemistry was insane. The banter was to die for. The characters were also really fleshed out. They felt very human, imperfectly perfect in their own way. The relationship each character had were also very complex. There was a very wholesome cast of characters and even the side characters were to die for.

This could make a great rom com one day, hopefully we get that.”

“Y’all this book was so good! I am so glad that I was able to get an arc of Olivia Lara newest book The Meeting Point. Not only did the story have a good slow burn romance it talked about people getting out of toxic relationships. This book hooked me from the very beginning, and it was impossible to put down. I will definitely be purchasing a copy when it comes out!”

“The Meeting Point was such a cute, swooning, easy read! I liked the story from beginning till the end, it was nice to see both perspectives.”

“The Meeting Point by Olivia Lara had absolutely everything that I'm looking for in a book. It made me smile, it made me anxious and most of all it made my heart beat faster. 

There were so many things to like in this book:

- First and foremost the characters. Even though the female main character couldn't have a more different life than myself, I was able to identify with her and understand where she was coming from. Even though she is guilty of poor judgement from time to time, it was one of her unique traits that made her so lovable. Needless to say, the banter between the main characters was exquisite and witty. It was intelligent and childish at the same time, without being cringey.

- The setting. The description of the small town (Carmel) was on point and painted a beautiful picture. You could almost feel the serenity and beauty through the pages.

- The slow burn. I really appreciated the pace of the story. It was believable at all times and not a forced 'they lived happily ever after even though they know each other for mere seconds'. 

The only downer would be, that I'm not able to read this fantastic book for the first time again ;) I would totally recommend The Meeting Point and thank NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to discover such a gem.”

“A unique and fun story. I found this to be a sweet escape book. Light and fun with characters I rooted for.”

“This book is so good it was like reading something made to become the next Netflix small town drama! I loved the setting of Carmel by the sea and kept finding myself googling the locations. All three of the main characters are likeable and her ex-boyfriend is the perfect blend of over confident idiot to make you honestly dislike a fictional character. I loved it.

I would definitely recommend this as a summer read or for anyone feeling like they want to up sticks and make some major changes in their life. This book gives you a massive confidence boost. The first NetGalley book I’ve reviewed in a while and I wasn’t disappointed.”

“Maya is flying from NYC to California to surprise her long-term boyfriend David, once her plane arrives she gets a strange text back from a Lyft driver saying that her boyfriend was in his car with another woman and they couldn't keep their hands off each other.  It's Mayas birthday and she realizes she's all alone, but she isn't! This secret Lyft driver is going to keep her company via text for the weekend. "Max" the Lyft driver takes an interest in Maya, making sure she has a great birthday in Monterey, he has all the perfect plans to keep her interested.  

Who is this secret man who she calls Max? Because she is starting to fall in love with him.

Absolutely loved this book!”

“The Meeting Point! Oh, what to say about this absolutely adorable story! I wanted to be Maya Maas!

This was such an incredible love story about two strangers falling in love in the unlikeliest of ways. I loved every second of it. The entire story is told from Maya’s point of view, which was great in my opinion, because it kept the other’s identity a secret that much better. I highly recommend The Meeting Point if you’re looking for a sweet, unputdownable romance this fall!”

“I loved this book. The characters were perfect and I fell in love with Max, Ethan and Maya.  I loved the story line and different aspects of it.  I’m so excited to read more of this authors books.  Super cute.”

“I don’t want to say too much about the plot of this book because I’m afraid to give anything away, and I want readers to be as captivated by and sucked into this story as I was. I could not put it down. It was charming, warm, and a bit mysterious (but not in a spooky way). There were questions to be answered that I was trying to piece together until the very end. When I say this book drew me in, that could be the understatement of the year. I couldn’t get enough. If you enjoy a romantic tale with lots of heart, you won’t want to miss this.” 

 “The Meeting Point by Olivia Lara is exactly what I needed when I stepped back into contemporary romance and I spent my day reading it. It is adorable and well written. The storybook setting of Carmel by the Sea is so well described I feel I’ve been there. Fans of Jasmine Guillory and Kerry Winfrey will enjoy this!” 

 “I could not put this book down! I was so engrossed to know who Max was, and when it hit me, I couldn't wait for Maya to find out! This book is such a heartwarming and fun read. The characters fit together perfectly, and the story is gripping! I would recommend this book to any romance novel lover.”

“The Meeting Point was a great book with a refreshing and unique story.”

 “Perfect summer read. I finished this in one day! The perfect modern twist on girl meets boy, loses boy and sets out on a quest to find him again.”

 “The Meeting Point is a charming, heartwarming romantic comedy with such a unique premise!” 

“The Meeting Point was a such a sweet story and a fun premise! I felt like this was sort of a fun spin off of You've Got Mail but had its own unique flair to set it apart! 

A few things I really loved: 

- Max's Itinerary (So thoughtful and sweet, and the kind of good we are all looking for in this world.)

- The setting! (Carmel by the sea was just lovely!)

- The question game.”

“THIS WAS SO CUTE. I loved every bit of it. I stayed up too late to finish reading it because I had to know how it ended. Honestly, this is a must read if you love rom-coms.”

 “OKAY WOWWWW this book had me hooked from the beginning!! 

I really thought that this book was going to be about the one day, but instead took us on this wonderful and beautiful journey of a woman finding who she wants to be and finding a new home on the other side of the country. 

Read it or Leave it? 

READ IT!!!!!!!!!!!!”

 “This book turned out to surprise me! It gave me a lot of emotions! The plot line was so sweet. A lovely love story.”

 “What right did this book have to come steal my heart like that? I was absolutely hooked from the get-go, I couldn't put it down and when I did, all I wanted to do was pick it back up again and be immersed into Maya's world. If there's one thing you should do in September, it would be to pick up this book 🥰 It's a fast, easy going read and you won't regret it 😉

 “I loved The Meeting Point. From the beginning I connected with Maya. 

It’s been forever since I watched Sleepless in Seattle, but the feelings the book evokes remind me of what I felt while watching that movie the first time. 

Great characters, great plot and a beautiful happily ever after. Highly recommend.”

 “Such a fun story about what could happen if you take a chance, close your eyes, and take a leap. I adored Maya and her journey to her Happily Ever After.  

I recommend this book to anyone who loves romance and good stories.”

 “The writing was so playful, also enjoyable to read. Both these characters were so relatable. If you're looking for something to kick a reading slump or if you just want a fun, romantic book to sweep you off your feet this summer: look no further. This was such a good book. To be read by the beach or in the garden.  Let this story take you away for a few hours of reading bliss.”

 “This book was a joy to read. I couldn't put it down and read it in one sitting. The romance felt like a story I had not read before and that can sometimes be hard to find in romance. In this story, Maya "meets" a man who sends her on a wonderful birthday adventure in a new city after being heartbroken by a cheating man. The beauty is finding love in a place you never expected to find it and trusting that it was worth it all along.”

 “This was so sweet! I was really hoping for a happily ever after and The Meeting point did not disappoint.”

 “What a cute story!!! I loved it.  What a terrible way to find out your life is taking an unexpected turn but what a pleasant turn it ended up to be.”

 “When I first read the synopsis for this one, I was intrigued, but hesitant. With such an interesting concept it felt like the author would have to thread a pretty small needle to make it work, and I really think it does! I will definitely enjoy revisiting this story and these characters!”

 “While I was reading this book, I just didn’t want it to come to an end, but I wanted to know that the HEA (Happily Ever After) had come! Such suspense! I so enjoyed reading how the story evolved❤️✈️ 📚 🏖”

 “I stayed up way too late reading this one. I couldn't put it down. It was a different kind of story but it kept going in one sitting.”

“A great read, the story of Maya, whose birthday turns out totally different than she expected. Finding out that her boyfriend is cheating on her, she spends a day in a random town visiting places recommended by a stranger she calls Max. 

Loved this book!”

“If I have to describe this book in one word it'd be "buoyant". It was super hyper duper cute and sweet. I've never been eager to visit California but after reading this book all I want to do is to go to Carmel by-the-Sea! Can someone take me, please? 

So, the instant-love trope is one of my least favorites.  I avoid it as much as I can, and when I realized that this book had it, I freaked out a little. But it surprised me in the best way possible. I ended up loving it!  Olivia wrote it in such a smart and beautiful way that is inevitable to love this story. And not only that, you end up loving the story, the characters, the places, everything.” 

“I read this is one sitting. It had the perfect amount of romance and mystery.”

“I can't recommend this book highly enough! I devoured the whole thing in one sitting, then just sat back and actually felt a slight amount of grief that it was over. It's so well written that I got very attached to the characters and sympathized with them all. I have already recommended this book to others and have added the author to my watch list for future publications.”

 “This was the cutest story I’ve read in a while. 

Maya and her mystery Lift driver created an adventure that sent me from place to place within this beach town, and I adored it. That feeling of experiencing somewhere new, even through someone else’s eyes, soothed my wanderlusting heart. And in the second half, I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery, as well as the back and forth, and the genuine friendships portrayed.”

 “This book really took me by surprise, in the best way. It gave me all the feels! Really, the writing and the story was so endearing. I loved how strong maya was and how sweet and intense Ethan was. It almost has that “ you’ve got mail “ vibe to it where you know as the reader exactly what’s going on and you are just waiting for the heroine to catch up.”

 “The writing was so playful, so enjoyable to read. Both these characters were so relatable. If you're looking for something to kick a reading slump or if you just want a fun, romantic book to sweep you off your feet this summer: look no further. This was such a good book. The pacing was really good and the humor and banter between the characters kept me engaged the entire time. The characters I absolutely adored. Fun, cute, witty enjoyable people to follow in a book! 

Everything about this story worked. I had no idea what to expect going in but was happy with the journey it took me on. I wanted more as I always do when I’m reluctant to let a story go.”

 “Sweet, swoon, heartfelt, extremely romantic! A promising feel- good romance makes you smile so much and plan an urgent trip to Carmel like I’m doing right now! This is second book of Olivia Lara. Her debut was historical romance which proves she can create amazing stories in both genres awakening my romcom craving!”

 Here are a few of the early reviews for my debut, Someday in Paris, published in May 2020.

I wish I could personally thank each and every person who has read Someday in Paris, is reading it now, or about to, or will, someday…:) And to give an extra big hug to all of you who are reviewing and rating it. And I try to, at least online, whenever I spot #somedayinparis on social media. I know it’s not the same as IRL, but trust me that when I say ‘thank you’, it’s a heartfelt one, even if it’s virtual.

When you write a book and release it into the world, you hold your breath, close your eyes, and hope (at least that’s what I did and still do:)!) that it will make readers feel how it made you feel writing it. I feel lucky and honored (not to mention beyond grateful, humbled, and honestly a bit teary-eyed), seeing all these early reactions to my story. So, thank you, again, from the bottom of my hopelessly romantic heart for all your love! ❤️

I’m including below some quotes from reviews. You can find the full reviews on Goodreads, Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Kobo etc.

‘Well, I just finished reading this beauty and - WOW! Stunning. Someday In Paris is a deeply moving, richly evocative story of love, loss and the power of hope. Absolutely gorgeous!’

Miranda Dickinson, Sunday Times Bestselling Author

'"Someday In Paris was the bookish escape I truly needed right now. An epic, sweeping romance set in the art worlds of Paris and New York, it's about soulmates and second chances – a love story that felt timeless yet completely original. Adored it.’

Holly Miller, Author of ‘The Sight Of You’

'An absolutely unforgettable love story… You will lose your heart to this epic romance' 

Mandy Baggot, International bestselling and award-winning romance writer

‘Magical, all-encompassing and timeless; an unforgettable romance.

[…]Set in Paris, this book will make even the most cynical believe in soulmates. Believe in magic.

[…]If you are looking for a 5-star, epic love story, this is it. As one of my new, timeless and favorite romances of all time, I recommend it to anyone needs who needs a reminder of what love is supposed to be and of what love can be. What an incredible, gorgeous novel.’

Published on: NetGalley and Goodreads

‘I highly and truly recommend you read this heartbreaking, face bloating, soul crushing, inner romance awakening, tear jerking, fantastic book over and over again! 

[…]This is not the kind of book you just read and forget the next day, this epic, beautiful, extremely emotional story stays with you forever and steals a part of your soul! 

[…]So this is not just a good novel, this is a fabulous book! Truly well-deserved my shiny, Parisienne, glamorous, ultra-romantic, heart wrenching, brilliant five gazillion stars!’

Published on: NetGalley and Goodreads

‘People dream of Paris, but falling in love in Paris is what epic love stories are made of.

[…] Someday in Paris is a romance novel for the ages. This book had such a monumental impact on me and touched me to my core. I will never forget the beautifully written and at times heartbreaking journey I went on reading this story. Though it’s only March, this will hands down be my favorite book of the year and one of my favorite books I’ve ever read.’

Published on: NetGalley and Goodreads

‘I absolutely loved this book! The main story was beautifully told, with plenty of suspense, would Zara and Leon finally be together? […] The story kept me hanging on and reading late into the night to find out how Zara and Leon’s love story ended. Very well-done!’

Published on: NetGalley and Goodreads

‘This was a wonderful book. What a powerful love story. I was rooting for Zara and Leon the entire time. Their story will warm your heart and soul the whole time you are reading it.’

Published on: NetGalley

‘The characters pull you in and tug at your heartstrings. This was definitely a book that kept me up late into the night. […] I will definitely add this Author to my list of favs!!’

Published on: NetGalley

‘This is a book for hopeless romantics, for those who dare to dream, and for those who believe in true love everlasting.

[…] I haven’t been moved by a romantic story in quite some time, and ‘Someday in Paris’ made me believe that maybe true love does exist, and that maybe, the person you love is your purpose and your destiny.’

Published on: NetGalley and Goodreads

‘Some books leave a print on your heart which make them difficult to forget, that’s what happened to me with the book ‘Someday In Paris’; emotive, sweet and unforgettable I will have always a copy with me to re-read it in the moments of need.

I’ve read a lot of romance books and even if they all have a heart not all let you without a breath when you read them!

I really don’t have words to explain how much I loved this story, […] this is the most beautiful book I’ve read in a while and it will be on my top ten this year for sure.’

Published on: NetGalley and Goodreads

‘This book drew me in from the start. A chance meeting in the dark. A lifetime of searching. Every time I thought they found each other they let it slip away one way or another. A beautiful, tragic, sweeping romance. A story about soulmates and their inevitable destiny.’

Published on: NetGalley

‘This book left me speechless. I haven´t read such an amazing story in a long time. I immensely enjoyed the whole rollercoaster ride full of emotions. And I cried a lot. […]

The end is absolutely epic..... you'll see for yourself. It's just simply amazing.’

Published on: NetGalley

‘This book had such a profound impact on me that I actually had a dream last night about a lost book. I really believe in soul mates and that they speak to each other regardless of where they are in life. […] I enjoyed every minute of this book.’

Published on: NetGalley

‘I really enjoyed this book!! The soul stirring feelings these characters had for each other was inspiring and had me fighting for them! I was both relieved and sad to finish this book but I truly enjoyed the writing.’

Published on: NetGalley

‘What a beautiful story!!!

[…] This was a heart warming book of love and destiny that touched me deeply. It is a book about the kind of love everyone hopes to have in their lives one day. I highly recommend it!’

Published on: NetGalley